Steven Ray Burnette

Steven Ray Burnette, LCDR, Ret. USN, 72, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away in comfort while home and surrounded by family on the morning of Thursday, April 20th, 2023. He was a long- time resident of Ocean Springs living there for 32 years.

Born in Virginia, He was the son of the late Ray and Ruth Burnette of James Island, SC where they settled after Ray retired from the Navy in 1970. Steve graduated from Berkeley High School in Charleston, SC in 1969, and in 1973 he graduated from the University of South Carolina as a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon brotherhood. He completed Officer Training at USC and enlisted in the Navy in which he served 20 years.  He spent a majority of the time of his service on numerous Navy vessels traveling around the globe. He developed a love for the open water, and he continued his career on the seas of the world after his retirement from the Navy in 1993. Steve’s life experience and knowledge of maritime vessels allowed him to earn the highest grade of qualification for licensed mariners, unlimited master’s license. He served as civilian master with the Military Sealift Command until his second retirement in 2017. 

Captain Steve was so many things to so many people in his life. His influence will be forever felt by the many people that loved him, and his knowledge will carry on for all those that have looked up to him for many years. He was easily recognized by his beautiful white hair and boisterous laugh. Steve never missed an opportunity to share his opinion with his friends and family. He was truly a master of many skills, and the captain of many adventures during his life. He was a loving husband, devoted son, supportive father, and the best grandfather. 

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his sister, Sandra Faye (Richard) of Goose Creek, SC; and his wife of 36 years, Lorene Burnette of Ocean Springs.

He is survived by his wife of 3 years, Sheree Beaugez of Ocean Springs; his three sons, Thomas Burnette (Carla) of Jacksonville, FL, Geoffrey Burnette (Jacqueline) of Ocean Springs, and Christopher Burnette (Emily) of Ocean Springs; his two step-sons, Christopher Beaugez (Bobbie Jo) of Ocean Springs and Jonathan Beaguez (Amy) of Ocean Springs; and grandchildren, Nathan Burnette, Jayla King, Veronica Beaugez, and Sawyer Beaugez; sister-in-law, Christina Samuelsen (Randy) of Goose Creek, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews; along with many close friends in Ocean Springs and around the world that will miss him dearly. 

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lord is my Help in Ocean Springs, Mississippi at http://www.thelordismyhelp.org/ 

A private ceremony will be held at a late date.

Bradford–O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Steven Burnette.